LegCo meeting adjourned due to lack of quorum

A Legislative Council (LegCo) meeting in Hong Kong had to be adjourned Thursday due to lack of a quorum, with some pan-democrat lawmakers staying away as they wanted to block the setting up of a new Innovation and Technology Bureau.

Only 34 lawmakers showed up at the meeting, against the stipulated minimum of 35, Ming Pao Daily reported.

Albert Chan Wai-yip and Ray Chan Chi-chuen, lawmakers from the People Power party, stayed out of the meeting room although they arrived at the scene before 9 am, the report said.

“We have repeatedly expressed strong opposition against the establishment of the Innovation and Technology Bureau, which is a waste of taxpayers’ money and could lead to conflict of interests,” Albert Chan was quoted as saying.

The lawmakers intend to use “all means” including “quorum-busting” to block the bill, he added.

Labor Party legislator Kwok Wai-keung was seen arriving a few seconds late for the session, which he claimed was due to traffic delays.

The lawmakers’ moves were condemned by LegCo President Jasper Tsang Yok-sing, who said the excuses were unacceptable. He accused the legislators of acting in an “irresponsible” manner.

“Opposition to a bill is an irresponsible excuse for being absent from the session. If they are against the bill, they should show up and veto the bill,” he said.

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